Villar tells women: Adopt, embrace new technologies

MANILA, Philippines — With nearly 90 percent of jobs requiring digital skills by 2025, Sen. Cynthia Villar encouraged women to adopt and embrace new technologies for the continued progress of the economy.

Villar noted the importance for women to embrace technological advancements during the 18th annual general assembly of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women.

“This is crucial as we face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age,” said Villar. “By doing so, we can empower women to become leaders, innovators and key decision-makers in the digital economy.”

“We, in the Philippine Senate, continue our commitment to address the challenges and opportunities in the digital world through various laws and bills,” the senator added. 

She enumerated laws such as Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act, RA 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act, RA 11927 or the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, RA 11967 or The Internet Transactions Act, RA 11976 or The Ease of Paying Taxes Act and Senate Bill 2560 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Villar noted that the gender digital divide hinders women’s digital empowerment. 

The senator said globally, 70 percent of men use the internet compared to 65 percent of women. In low and middle-income countries, she said women are 15 percent less likely to use mobile internet. 

Villar said only 24 percent of women globally enroll in information and communications technology (ICT) courses, which led to a shortage of skilled workers. 

In the Philippines, the senator said 30 to 40 percent of women take ICT, which is slightly higher, but still insufficient. 

“We are missing the potential contributions of over half our population in developing a strong digital economy,” said Villar, as she emphasized that addressing this “divide” is very urgent, as nearly 90 percent of jobs will require digital skills by 2025.